Automatic electric gun

ABSTRACT

An automatic electric gun, a kit for upgrading a motor of an electric automatic gun, a system, and two methods of interacting with one or more automatic electric guns. The automatic electric gun comprising: an action; a motor, connected to the action for driving the action; a controller, connected to the motor, and operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action; and a wireless connectivity module, connected to the controller and operable to program the controller in response to received signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to GB Patent Application No. 1808378.2 also entitled “Automatic Electric Gun” filed 22 May 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved automatic electric gun, and a system utilising such guns.

BACKGROUND

Automatic electric guns (AEGs) or, as they are more commonly known, electric airsoft guns are generally used by enthusiasts undertaking the airsoft sport.

Conventional AEGs are driven by brushed DC motors. The motor is connected to a gear which, upon rotation, pulls on a piston to compress a spring. A sector gear, connected to the piston, has a section of teeth removed and thereby allows the piston (now under tension) to thrust forward into the chamber. This compresses gas present within the chamber, and the compressed gas propels the BB down the barrel.

The rate of fire in conventional AEGs is generally set as either: (i) single fire; (ii) burst fire, i.e. three rounds in quick succession from a single trigger pull; or (iii) fully automatic fire, where holding the trigger causes rounds to fire at a set rate. The settings are generally indicated with a slider on the side of the AEG, which can be set to the appropriate setting. The rate at which fully automatic fire is performed, in conventional AEGs, is set either by the voltage provided directly from a battery or via a speed controller.

Moreover, conventional AEGs can generally only be rendered safe (i.e. unable to be fired) by engaging a safety of the AEG. In some examples, the safety is a switch or push button located on the side of the AEG. When the safety is engaged, the trigger cannot be pulled and so rounds cannot be fired. However, this requires direct action by the user of each AEG to safe their own AEG.

SUMMARY

At its broadest, aspects of the invention are concerned with automatic electric guns with motors which are controllable via a wireless interface.

In a first aspect, the invention provides an automatic electric gun, comprising:

-   -   an action;     -   a motor, connected to the action for driving the action;     -   a controller, connected to the motor, and operable to govern the         rate at which the motor drives the action; and     -   a wireless connectivity module, connected to the controller and         operable to program the controller in response to received         signals.

By action, it may be meant the mechanical parts of the automatic electric gun responsible for: retrieving a round from a magazine, providing the round within a breach of the automatic electric gun, and firing that round.

Optional features of this aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination.

The controller may comprise a speed controller operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action, and a microcontroller connected between the wireless connectivity module and the speed controller to implement communication therebetween.

The motor may be a brushless DC motor.

The controller may be operable to determine the position of a stator of the motor. The controller may determine the position of the stator by sensing a back-EMF from the motor. Advantageously, the controller may utilise its knowledge of the position of the stator so as to position a piston of the action in a half-cocked state. This may make a semi-automatic fire mode of the automatic electric gun crisper, and provide a more realistic shot.

The wireless connectivity module may include a patch or micro-patch antenna suitable for receiving and transmitting information at radio frequency. The wireless connectivity module may include an infrared antenna, or a Li-Fi antenna.

The controller may be configured, in response to a signal received by the wireless connectivity module, to disable the motor. Advantageously, this may allow an event organiser to enforce either no-fire zones or to immediately cease an ongoing event.

The wireless connectivity module may be configured to report a physical location of the automatic electric gun to a server with which it is connected. Advantageously, this can allow an event organiser to enforce firing modes of the automatic electric guns within certain locations during an event.

The controller may be configured to provide information indicative of a status of a battery within the automatic electric gun to the wireless connectivity module, and wherein the wireless connectivity module is configured to provide this information to a device wirelessly connected thereto.

The controller may be configured to provide a confirmation message to a server with which it is connected, in response to receiving a command from the server. The confirmation message sent to the server may indicate that the motor has been disabled.

Advantageously, this can highlight to the operator of the server that all AEGs connected have been disabled (and so the entire play area is safe). It can also be used more generally to indicate that all AEGs are connected to the server.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a kit for upgrading a motor of an electric automatic gun, comprising:

-   -   a controller, connectable to the motor and operable to govern         the rate at which the motor drives the action; and     -   a wireless connectivity module, connected to the controller and         operable to program the controller in response to received         signals.

Optional features of this aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination.

The controller may comprise a speed controller operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action, and a microcontroller connected between the wireless connectivity module and the speed controller to implement communication therebetween.

The controller may be operable to determine the position of a stator of a motor to which it is connectable. The controller may determine the position of the stator by sensing a back-EMF from the motor. Advantageously, the controller may utilise its knowledge of the position of the stator so as to position a piston of the action in a half-cocked state. This may make a semi-automatic fire mode of the automatic electric gun crisper, and provide a more realistic shot.

The wireless connectivity module may include a patch or micro-patch antenna suitable for receiving and transmitting information at radio frequency.

The controller may be configured, in response to a signal received by the wireless connectivity module, to disable the motor. Advantageously, this may allow an event organiser to enforce either no-fire zones or to immediately cease an ongoing event.

The wireless connectivity module may be configured to report a physical location of the automatic electric gun to a server with which it is connected. Advantageously, this can allow an event organiser to enforce firing modes of the automatic electric guns within certain locations during an event.

The controller may be configured to provide information indicative of a status of a battery within the automatic electric gun to the wireless connectivity module, and wherein the wireless connectivity module is configured to provide this information to a device wirelessly connected thereto.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a system comprising:

-   -   one or more wireless base stations, connectable to one or more         of the automatic electric guns of the first aspect; and     -   a server, connected to the one or more wireless base stations;     -   wherein the server is operable to communicate with the one or         more electric guns and send instructions to the respective         controllers via the respective wireless connectivity modules.

The server may be configured to send a signal to each of the one or more automatic electric guns to disable their respective motors. Advantageously, this may allow an event organiser to enforce either no-fire zones or to immediately cease an ongoing event.

The server may be operable to track the physical location of each of the one or more automatic electric guns, and in response to one of the automatic electric guns entering a predefined physical area, change the rate at which the motor drives the action.

Advantageously, this can allow an event organiser to enforce firing modes of the automatic electric guns within certain locations during an event. For example, the event organiser may specify that fully automatic firing modes are not permitted within indoor parts of a play area. As a further example, the event organiser may specify that when a player is within a certain physical distance of another player, automatic firing modes are not permitted.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of interacting with one or more automatic electric guns, comprising:

-   -   connecting a server to one or more of the automatic electric         guns of the first aspect;     -   transmitting a signal to the one or more automatic electric         guns, which causes the one or more electric guns to disable         their respective motors.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of interacting with one or more automatic electric guns, comprising:

-   -   connecting a server to one or more of the automatic electric         guns of the first aspect;     -   monitoring a physical location of each of the one or more         automatic electric guns;     -   and, in response to one of the one or more automatic electric         guns entering a predefined physical area, transmitting a signal         to the automatic electric gun which causes the controller         therein to change the rate at which the motor drives the action.

The predefined physical area may be an indoor area, and the controller may be configured to decrease the rate at which the motor drives the action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic of an automatic electric gun according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of some components of an automatic electric gun according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the system of FIG. 3 in a first configuration; and

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the system of FIG. 3 in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND FURTHER OPTIONAL FEATURES

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 shows an action 100 of an automatic electric gun including features of the present invention. The general implementation of the action is known per se in the art. Broadly, the action includes a trigger 102 within a trigger housing which is connected to a trigger switch 104. When the trigger is actuated, the trigger switch engages and a signal is transmitted to a speed controller 108 which is connected to a motor 106. The motor drives a bevel gear 132, which in turn provides mechanical power to a spur gear 130. The spur gear provides mechanical power to a sector gear 128, which is used to move a tappet plate 126 and piston 118. The tappet plate 126 is used to pull an airflow nozzle 124 into abutment with cylinder head 122.

A spring guide 114 is located at a rearward portion of the action, and ensures that spring 118 is centrally positioned and does not flex. The spring 116 is compressed by piston 118 when the sector gear 128 rotates. The piston 118 is contained within cylinder 120, which includes a vent 134 for receiving air when the piston is in a retracted position. When the piston is released, compressed spring 118 drives it forward into the cylinder 120 thereby compressing air contained therein. The compressed air is then ejected through cylinder head 122 into air nozzle 124. The air nozzle is connected to a breach (not shown) or other mechanism containing an airsoft pellet. The compressed air then forces the airsoft pellet down a barrel (not shown) of the automatic electric gun.

The speed controller 108 and motor 106 are connected to a battery 110 which provides electrical power. The speed controller 108 is also connected to a wireless connectivity module 112, in this example including a micro-patch antenna, which allows commands received from the wireless connectivity module to be executed and information from the speed controller to be transmitted from the gun. The wireless connectivity module in this example comprises a micro-patch antenna and a microprocessor. Whilst the motor 106 is shown as directly connected to the battery 110, it may be that the motor is only connected to the speed controller 108 and that the speed controller 108 is directly connected to the battery.

FIG. 2 shows, schematically, how the wireless connectivity module interacts with the speed controller. Motor 202, which is preferably a brushless DC motor, is connected to electronic speed controller (ESC) 204. The electronic speed controller is operable to modify the speed with which the motor 202 operates. The operation of an electronic speed controller is known per se, and may include providing certain voltage levels to the motor or particular values to firmware of the motor.

The ESC 204 is connected to a microcontroller 206. The microcontroller is operable to instruct the ESC in modifying the speed with which the motor operates. For example, the microcontroller may be provided as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or reprogrammable microprocessor. The microprocessor is connected to transmit/receive module 208. This module may be, for example, a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® module. Connected to the transmit/receive module is an antenna 210. The specifics of the antenna will depend on the nature of the transmit/receive module. In a preferred example, the antenna is a micro-patch antenna suitable for operating at radio frequencies i.e. within a range of 10⁴ to 10¹² Hz. In this preferred example, the antenna is connected to a Wi-Fi® module 208.

Using a mobile telephone or similar device, a user is able to connect to the transmit/receive module 208 and may send instructions to the microcontroller 206 and/or receive information from the microcontroller 206. For example, the user may request a battery status from the microcontroller 206. Additionally or alternatively, the user may specify the rate at which the motor should operate in various modes of the automatic electric gun. For example, the user may specify that when operating in a burst mode, the automatic electric gun should fire a set number of rounds when the trigger is pulled once e.g. 3 rounds per trigger pull. As a further example, the user may specify that when operating in a fully automatic mode, the electric gun should fire a certain number of rounds per minute e.g. 60 rounds per minute when the trigger is held. As a further example, the user may specify a maximum duration of a burst that the electric gun will fire when operating in a fully automatic mode.

The microprocessor 206 may be configured to determine and log a location of the automatic electric gun, and report this to a server. The microprocessor may be additionally or alternatively configured to determine and log the number of rounds fired by the electric gun. As indicated above, the microprocessor may be additionally or alternatively configured to monitor and log the status of the battery of the electric gun.

FIG. 3 shows a system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Broadly, the system comprises a central computer or server 302 which is connected to one or more base stations 306 a-306 e. The base stations are disposed at various locations within a play area 308. In this example, the server 302 is connected to the base stations via a wireless module 304. Of course the server may be connected to the base stations via a wired connection.

The server 302, or the base stations 306 a-e, or both, are connectable to the wireless connectivity module 112 of an automatic electric gun. The server is therefore able to send commands to the wireless connectivity module 112 so as to define settings for the ESC and receive information from an automatic electric gun. If the microprocessor 206 of each automatic electric gun is configured to determine and log its location, the server may track the location of each automatic electric gun connected to the server. Alternatively, the wireless connectivity module 112 of each automatic electric gun may connect to a base station 306 a-e or a pair of base stations 306 a-e. The server may then use characteristics of these connections to determine an approximate location of the automatic electric gun, in a manner known per se.

In one example of a configuration of the system 300, as shown in FIG. 4, a “no fire” zone 400 is defined which includes substantially all of the play area. Any automatic electric weapons entering the zone have their motors disabled via a command sent from the server 302. Alternatively, the server may simply transmit a signal to all connected AEGs, indicating that the respective ESCs disable their connected motors regardless of location of the AEG. This can ensure that, should game play need to stop for an emergency or similar, all AEGs are centrally disabled.

FIG. 5 shows a further example configuration of the system 300. Here, two predefined physical areas 502 a and 502 b of the play area are defined by the server 302. When an AEG connected to the server enters either of these predefined physical areas, the server will transmit a signal to its wireless connectivity module 112 disabling a fully automatic firing mode of the AEG. This can ensure that fully automatic firing modes are not used within enclosed or indoor spaces, thus enhancing safety.

Further example uses of the system 300 discussed above are included below:

Temporary Electromagnetic Pulse (TEMP)

A player may utilise a TEMP module, which for example may be in the form of a grenade.

The TEMP module once triggered may emit a signal which is received by the wireless connectivity modules of the AEGs within a certain range of the module when triggered and disables or disrupts the ESC within those AEGs. The TEMP may have a predefined operating time, after which the ESCs affected are returned to normal use.

Boosters

A player may utilise a booster module, which for example may be in the form of an ammunition box. When the player is near to the booster module, the wireless connectivity module 112 may connect to a wireless module of the booster module. The booster module may then allow the player to increase the rate of fire of the AEG for a predefined period.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF FEATURES

-   100 Action -   102 Trigger -   104 Trigger switch -   106, 202 Motor -   108, 204 Electronic speed controller -   110 Battery -   112 Wireless connectivity module -   114 Spring guide -   116 Spring -   118 Piston -   120 Cylinder -   122 Cylinder head -   124 Air nozzle -   126 Tappet plate -   128 Sector gear -   130 Spur gear -   132 Bevel gear -   134 Vent -   208 Transmit/receive module -   210 Antenna -   300 System -   302 Server -   304 Wireless connection -   306 a-e Base stations -   308 Play area -   400 No-fire zone -   502 a,b Predefined physical areas 

1. An automatic electric gun, comprising: an action; a motor, connected to the action for driving the action; a controller, connected to the motor, and operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action; and a wireless connectivity module, connected to the controller and operable to program the controller in response to received signals.
 2. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a speed controller operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action, and a microcontroller connected between the wireless connectivity module and the speed controller to implement communication therebetween.
 3. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to determine the position of a stator of the motor.
 4. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the wireless connectivity module includes a patch or micro-patch antenna suitable for receiving and transmitting information at radio frequency.
 5. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured, in response to a signal received by the wireless connectivity module, to disable the motor.
 6. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the wireless connectivity module is configured to report a physical location of the automatic electric gun to a server with which it is connected.
 7. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide information indicative of a status of a battery within the automatic electric gun to the wireless connectivity module, and wherein the wireless connectivity module is configured to provide this information to a device wirelessly connected thereto.
 8. The automatic electric gun of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide a confirmation message to a server with which it is connected, in response to receiving a command from the server.
 9. The automatic electric gun of claim 8, wherein the confirmation message sent to the server indicates that the motor has been disabled.
 10. A kit for upgrading a motor of an electric automatic gun, comprising: a controller, connectable to the motor and operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action; and a wireless connectivity module, connected to the controller and operable to program the controller in response to received signals.
 11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the controller comprises a speed controller operable to govern the rate at which the motor drives the action, and a microcontroller connected between the wireless connectivity module and the speed controller to implement communication therebetween.
 12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the controller is operable to determine the position of a stator of a motor to which it is connectable.
 13. The kit of claim 10, wherein the wireless connectivity module includes a patch or micro-patch antenna suitable for receiving and transmitting information at radio frequency.
 14. The kit of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured, in response to a signal received by the wireless connectivity module, to disable the motor.
 15. The kit of claim 10, wherein the wireless connectivity module is configured to report a physical location of the automatic electric gun to a server with which it is connected.
 16. The kit of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to provide information indicative of a status of a battery within the automatic electric gun to the wireless connectivity module, and wherein the wireless connectivity module is configured to provide this information to a device wirelessly connected thereto.
 17. The kit of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to provide a confirmation message to a server with which it is connected, in response to receiving a command from the server.
 18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the confirmation message sent to the server indicates that the motor has been disabled.
 19. A system comprising: one or more wireless base stations, connectable to one or more automatic electric guns as set out in claim 1; and a server, connected to the one or more wireless base stations; wherein the server is operable to communicate with the one or more electric guns and send instructions to the respective controllers via the respective wireless connectivity modules.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the server is configured to send a signal to each of the one or more automatic electric guns to disable their respective motors. 